June 5, 2020

Dear Parents/Guardians, Students & Staff,

We are just two weeks away from the end of the 2019-2020 school year, and I have some important information to share with you regarding the last week of school, our summer programs, and how you can help guide plans for the 2020-2021 school year.

Let me start with the last week of school (June 15 – June 18). Since we did not use two of our planned snow days, we are going to make a calendar adjustment in the following way:

1.) June 15 & 16 – we will use the half day schedule for students

2.) June 16 – this is the new last day for students (yes, parents – the school year is over)

3.) June 17 & 18 – professional development for staff – more information on this will follow. June 18 will be the last day for staff.
4.) June 22 – as previously announced, this is the date for our 8th grade Moving-Up ceremonies and High School graduation:
•	Thomas Jefferson Middle School – 10 am •	Benjamin Franklin Middle School – 1 pm •	Teaneck High School – 5 pm

Links to these virtual ceremonies will be posted on our District YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/c/teaneckpublicschools.

Now with regard to our summer programs, I am pleased to announce that we have several programs that will take place this summer but we must continue with using a virtual environment for the health and safety of our students and staff – and in keeping with current State and CDC guidelines:

1.) Incoming Grades 1 – 12 Summer Bridge Program –This summer, in an effort to support our students’ academic success, we will be offering a district-wide Summer Bridge Program for incoming first through incoming twelfth grade students. This program will include 20 days of synchronous, real-time instruction and will be focused on language arts, mathematics, social studies/history and science. As part of our science curricula, we will be infusing STEM learning to support engineering and problem-solving skills. Additionally, we will also be providing
computer-based learning supports for our elementary learners that will assist with remediating and addressing concepts that need strengthening. The sessions will last for two hours a day, and will take place July 6 through July 31 (Monday – Friday). A registration letter and Google form link will be forthcoming from The Office of Curriculum and Instruction. We are excited about this initiative as this is a critical next step in supporting our learners.
2.) Extended School Year (ESY) Program – This program is designed to maintain the academic, social/behavioral, communication, or other skills as determined by the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). The ESY program will run Monday, June 22 through Monday, August 3 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Each day will be a combination of live-instruction (minimum of two hours), recorded lessons, small group instruction and related services based on student needs. Information regarding your child’s ESY teacher and the schedule will be sent out to participating families on or before June 12, by the Department of Special Services.

3.) FDU Summer Middle College Program: with the Board’s approval on June 17, this will be our second year for this program whereby our current 9th – 11th grade students can earn College Credits this summer with High School Courses taught by Teaneck High School teachers. Through these advanced courses, students can earn three college equivalent credits from Fairleigh Dickinson University in three weeks for just $267 per course. Program details: July 6 – July 24, from 1 pm – 2:30 pm, Monday through Friday. Information on how to register will be coming soon. Course options are:
•	Financial Planning Management •	Introduction to Psychology
•	Creative Writing

•	Introduction to World Cultures

Lastly, earlier this week, we sent out a survey for parents to take regarding school opening this fall. This was sent to you via email and we would like your feedback by June 9. Similarly, the New Jersey Department of Education has also released a survey. You may have seen their announcement but if you did not, please read the announcement attached.

In closing, next Friday I will be releasing my “End of the Year” messages (email and video). At that time, I will share more information regarding this year’s accomplishments, our plans to move forward, and important information pertaining to our summer meal distribution and ChromeDepot (technology assistance) services.

I hope you and your family remain healthy, and let’s use these last two weeks to celebrate all that we have accomplished together!

Sincerely,

Dr. Christopher Irving, Superintendent of Schools